It was another successful event as the second annual Travis Gillespie Memorial Hockey Tournament took place this past weekend.
The tournament was held at the King Edward Park Arena in Brighton on Saturday, March 9, 2024.
Thirty-eight-year-old Travis Gillespie grew up in the Warkworth area and was killed on his way to work at York Regional Police where he was a Constable on September 14, 2022.
Travis’ dream was to become a police officer. He never gave up on that dream.
In 2008, Travis was hired by Metrolinx (a transit company) and was later promoted to Sergeant. In 2019, he was hired by York Regional Police. In his 4th year with York Region, he began his training with the Emergency Response Unit.
Travis had a saying: “You get a job, you do good, you move up.”
Travis was described as someone who loved people and did not wish to keep them in their darkness, but to lift them into the light with him. He was a passionate protector of those he honoured and loved.
Outside of being an officer, Travis would spend his time at his parent’s country home. Travis loved gathering around the kitchen, laughing and enjoying time with his mom. He liked spending time outdoors around the bonfire and playing kick the can with his nieces and nephew. You would find him with his dad and brothers on the ATV, chopping wood or swimming in the pond. Travis was always the first one to polar plunge in the early spring. But most of all, Travis looked forward to ending his day and going home with his love, Melinda.
Travis had a healthy obsession with Brazilian Jujitsu, which became a huge part of his life, giving him strength and discipline. His family was presented with an honourary black belt from Primal Academy, where he trained. A Scholarship has been created in his name through Hearts for Martial Arts for children across Ontario.
In memory of Travis, the annual hockey tournament was started with proceeds directed back into the community where he grew up with his two brothers and parents.
Today’s Northumberland spoke with his brother Dan while he was taking a break on the bench during a game.
“It’s been a great turnout today.”
The three brothers attended high school in Brighton and played many games at the arena.
“The other teams playing a little bit harder than us, but they are the champions of last years tournament,” Dan said from the bench.
With the support of the community, last year’s tournament raised over $22,000 for local sports.
Dan’s team won the B champs last year, but this year, it wasn’t to be losing both games. The second one losing 4-0.
But it’s all about the day and raising funds.
Travis’ former Inspector from York Regional Police attended the tournament.
Inspector Lindsay Newlove said Travis meant a lot to the York Regional Police Service.
Travis was a very kind hearted person. Even after he had passed away we received many letters from the community thanking us for his service and bringing up some of the good things he’s done for them.”
Inspector Newlove said it was easy to see that Travis loved his job.
“He came to work everyday with a smile on his face. He loved his platoon.”
A week before he died, Inspector Newlove had a conversation with him.
“He was talking to us how much he loved being a police officer and how lucky he was to be working for York Regional Police.”
MADD Canada was also at the tournament handing out literature.
A powerful poster was on display with images of people injured or killed by impaired driving.
Proceeds from the tournament are going back into the King Edward Park Arena, Hearts for Martial Arts and the Brighton Skate Park.
On Monday, it was announced that $30,180 was raised.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
